Japan-DPRK talks should take place based on 2002 Pyongyang Declaration: JCP Chair Shii

September 28, 2018

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo on September 27 at a press conference in the Diet building said that Japan-DPRK negotiations should be carried out based on the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration.

Shii made this statement in response to the press corps asking for comments on Prime Minister Abe Shinzo's speech to the UN General Assembly in which he mentioned he is willing to hold a dialogue with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Shii said, "I have been calling on the government to be seriously committed to holding negotiations with North Korea. I hope the government will positively work toward realizing bilateral talks based on the principle of the 2002 Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration."

He also said, "In sum, the declaration's principle, as a way to normalize diplomatic relations, call for a comprehensive resolution of North Korea's nuclear weapons/missile development issues in addition to several other issues such as North Korea's abduction of Japanese nationals and Japan's past war of aggression. In a way, a comprehensive resolution can be diplomatic wisdom which does not set any priorities and puts every issue on the table."

He added, "Adherence to the declaration's principle will be a key to bringing about a success of future Japan-DPRK talks. Once again, I hope that the government will work for bilateral negotiations in accordance with the declaration's roadmap."